在 /不在 Zai/ bu zai

English places locational phrases differently from Chinese. In English, “I work in the library;” however, in Chinese, it will be expressed differently. To say “I work in the libary” in Chinese, Chinese say “我在图书馆工作。” (Subject+Location Phrase+ V(O): Literally, “I at library work.”)

Here is the special Chinese grammar English speakers need to pay special attention to: